The title compound, C27H25NO4, is the major product of the Wittig reac
tion of (S)-N-triphenylmethylaspartic anhydride with the stabilized yl
ide Ph(3)P=C(Me)CO(2)Me. The crystal structure determination unambiguo
usly confirms the E configuration of the C4=C5 double bond and shows t
hat the molecule, with the exception of the triphenylnethylamino moiet
y, adopts an overall planar conformation.